- María Julia Cura, MD, 2024 IPC Fellow
- Congress Reports, Comorbidities, Patient Care Resources, Quality of Life, Research, Treatment
The 2025 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting took place in Orlando, Florida, United States, from Thursday, March 7, to Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Global Education Day was held on Wednesday, March 6. This annual meeting brought together more than 20,000 attendees—the largest in the event’s history—including leading dermatology experts, researchers, and clinicians. The meeting featured over 300 sessions, highlighting late-breaking research, hot topics, live demonstrations, and hands-on sessions. This blog post overviews key psoriasis sessions, including the IPC Symposium: Preventing Comorbid Disease in Psoriasis and summaries of late-breaking research. Download the full 2025 AAD Congress Report for a comprehensive review, or continue reading for session highlights.
IPC SYMPOSIUM: PREVENTING COMORBID DISEASE IN PSORIASIS
The Impact of Psoriasis Therapy on Depression
April Armstrong, MD, MPH, IPC Councilor
Professor April Armstrong highlighted data showing that patients treated with IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors report notable reductions in depression scores, suggesting these therapies may have direct neurological and psychological benefits beyond skin clearance. She also discussed emerging research into the underlying mechanisms and how improved mental health outcomes can enhance overall patient quality of life.
Case Presentation: Psoriasis and Depression
Mio Nakamura, MD, MS, FAAD, 2023 IPC Fellow
Dr. Mio Nakamura shared a case of a young male patient with severe psoriasis and moderate depression who achieved significant mental health improvements alongside skin clearance after starting guselkumab. She emphasized the importance of screening for mental health conditions in psoriasis patients.
The Impact of Psoriasis Therapy on Cardiovascular Disease
Álvaro González-Cantero, MD, PhD, IPC Councilor
Professor Álvaro González-Cantero shared imaging studies demonstrating plaque stabilization in arteries among patients treated with IL-23 inhibitors and emphasized the need for early cardiovascular screening. He also discussed data suggesting that treating psoriasis aggressively in younger patients can reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.
Case Presentation: Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease
Bryan Guevara, MD, FPDS, FDSP, 2024 IPC Fellow
Dr. Bryan Guevara presented a case showing subclinical atherosclerosis on cardiac imaging in a young psoriasis patient, with improvements after biologic treatment. He recommended routine imaging and cardiovascular risk assessments for psoriasis patients.
The Impact of Obesity Treatment on Psoriasis
Jennifer Soung, MD
Dr. Jennifer Soung presented clinical trial data showing that patients on semaglutide had reduced psoriasis severity and noted the potential role of weight management medications as adjunct therapy. She also discussed how obesity-induced inflammation complicates psoriasis management.
Case Presentation: Psoriasis and Obesity
Jaquelini Barboza da Silva, MD, 2021 IPC Fellow
Dr. Jaquelini Barboza da Silva shared a complex pediatric case where weight loss following lifestyle intervention and biologic therapy improved treatment response. She emphasized a multidisciplinary approach to care.
Debate: Can Psoriatic Arthritis Be Prevented in Patients with Psoriasis?
Shikha Singla, MD, IPC Councilor,
Joseph Merola, MD, MMSc, IPC Councilor
Dr. Shikha Singla and Dr. Joseph Merola highlighted evidence that early biologic intervention may delay PsA onset, though definitive prevention remains unproven. They debated screening protocols and future research directions.
ADDITIONAL AAD SESSIONS
Obesity-Related Inflammation & Psoriasis: A Conversation on the Interplay and What You Need to Know
Wayne Ho, MD, DABOM, FACP,
Jennifer Soung, MD
Dr. Wayne Ho and Dr. Jennifer Soung discussed how systemic inflammation from obesity worsens psoriasis. They emphasized that obesity-related cytokines can drive psoriasis severity and interfere with treatment outcomes. Their presentation highlighted recent data on weight loss improving both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms. It reinforced the need for dermatologists to address weight management as part of comprehensive patient care.
Inflammatory Skin Diseases – The Translational Revolution
Mark Lebwohl, MD, FAAD, IPC Councilor
Dr. Mark Lebwohl presented exciting advances in targeting pathways like IL-36 and TYK2, sharing early clinical trial results and highlighting upcoming treatments that could dramatically improve patient outcomes. He also discussed the evolving landscape of oral therapies and the potential for more personalized, targeted approaches.
Our “Joint” Goal: Pearls for the Concomitant Management of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Jessica Amie Kaffenberger, MD, FAAD
Dr. Jessica Kaffenberger provided practical insights on screening for PsA using tools like PEST and shared key tips for identifying early musculoskeletal involvement. She emphasized the need for dermatologists to collaborate closely with rheumatologists and remain proactive in monitoring patients for evolving symptoms.
LATE-BREAKING RESEARCH – SESSION 1
Efficacy and Safety of ESK-001, A Highly Selective Oral TYK2 Inhibitor, in Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Long-Term Phase 2 Results
Andrew Blauvelt, MD, FAAD, IPC Board Member
Dr. Andrew Blauvelt shared long-term efficacy data showing sustained PASI 90 responses through 52 weeks with ESK-001 and minimal safety concerns. He discussed the durability of responses, quality-of-life improvements, and the drug’s potential role in future psoriasis treatment guidelines.
Icotrokinra, A Targeted Oral Peptide That Selectively Blocks the Interleukin-23–Receptor, for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Results Through Week 24 of the Phase 3, Randomized Study
Robert Bissonnette, MSc, MD, FAAD, IPC Councilor
Dr. Robert Bissonnette presented results showing that 72% of patients achieved PASI 90 by week 24 with icotrokinra. He highlighted the potential impact of this novel oral therapy as a future option for patients seeking non-injectable treatments and discussed patient satisfaction data.
LATE-BREAKING RESEARCH – SESSION 2
Efficacy and Safety of a Highly Selective Oral TYK2 Inhibitor, ICP-488, in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Xiaoguang Zhang, MD, PhD
Dr. Xiaoguang Zhang presented robust phase 2 results with ICP-488, showing PASI 75 and PASI 90 response rates exceeding 70% with good safety and tolerability. He highlighted its potential for once-daily dosing.
Efficacy, Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of HS-20137 in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study
Furen Zhang, PhD, MD
Dr. Furen Zhang presented data showing HS-20137 achieved PASI 90 in over 60% of participants by week 28, with steady improvements in BSA and DLQI scores. He also discussed favorable pharmacokinetics and durable long-term responses.
Efficacy and Safety of a Novel TYK2 Inhibitor, D-2570, in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2 Trial
Ling Zhang, MD, PhD
Dr. Ling Zhang shared data from the D-2570 trial showing strong PASI 90 and 100 responses with excellent tolerability. She noted the potential for D-2570 to become a competitive oral TYK2 inhibitor in psoriasis treatment.
We encourage you to download the full 2025 AAD Congress Report for detailed session summaries and in-depth coverage of findings.
